We all have sarees we don’t have the heart to part with. But what if there was a way to turn them into something of value? Check out The Initiative—a Mumbai-based brand that employs a team of women who make special saree Godhadis (Maharashtrian blankets). The women at The Initiative refurbish old sarees and cloth swathes piece by piece and stitch them by hand by layering them. Think of it like making biryani, actually. Layer over layer of good ol’ sarees, combined over days to ensure they’re making it just as warm as you want them to be.
A lot of unused scrap fabric finds its way into these blankies, and while you’re free to state your colour and pattern preferences, a lot will depend on what the good peeps at The Initiative can source. You can also decide how thick or big your saree blanket should be. Not only that; you can also have messages, dates, illustrations and names embroidered on it (how sweet is that?!)
However, if you're not quite ready to let go of a saree, you can choose from their selection of readymade of quilts, laptop sleeves, tote bags, utility rolls and organiser books, all inspired by Godhadi blankets.
